CM Mehbooba unveils Hari Singh’s majestic statue, park

JAMMU, MARCH 17 : Marking a significant development, concerning the aspirations and emotions of the people of region, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday unveiled the majestic statue of last ruler of the state, Maharaja Hari Singh as she threw open the newly developed Park dedicated to Maharaja on Tawi banks in the winter capital.

Spread over 43 kanals of land, the park has been developed at a cost of Rs. 4.72 crore and the main features of the project comprise aesthetically laid walking tracks, children swings, ornamental sheds, benches, dustbins, open air gym besides beautifully laid flower and rose gardens.

The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh, also inaugurated the Coffee House and a refurbished library within the park premises.

Mehbooba Mufti went round the park and took keen interest in the maintenance of the park. She directed undertaking plantation drive on the river front to enhance the green cover in the area.

The Chief Minister asked the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Department of Housing & Urban Development, to identify more spaces in the city which could be developed into parks and green spaces for the convenience of people.

Meanwhile, demanding holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh, Rajputs today held protests against Chief Minister.

Over 150 activists of youth wing of Jammu and Kashmir Rajput Sabha led by its chief Pawan Singh sat on dharna in protest against the inauguration of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) park by Mehbooba.
They raised anti Mehbooba and anti BJP-PDP slogans and demanded holiday on the birthday of Maharaja, September 23.

Speaking to reporters, Pawan Singh said it was very unfortunate that BJP brought "anti-Jammu" chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who refused to grant holiday on the birthday of Maharaja to inaugurate the park and statute of Maharaja.

"Everyone in Jammu from political parties to social or religious organisation were one for grant of holiday on the birthday of Maharaja, But CM Mehbooba Mufti bluntly refused it. It is shameful and insult to Maharaja that you are inagurating the park by same CM," he said.

Last year on January 24, the legislative council had passed a resolution for the holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of the last Dogra king.

BJP member Ajatshatru Singh had moved the resolution in the Upper House, which was backed by all BJP members and the PDPs Vikramaditya Singh. But Vikramaditya later resigned from MLCship and PDP in protest against failure to address the demand last year.

Ajatshatru and Vikramaditya are the grandsons of Hari Singh and sons of veteran Congress leader Karan Singh.

Updated On 3/17/2018 10:59:11 AM